KIELCE, Poland - 

Sikorsky Aerospace Services (SAS) and PZL Mielec announced today the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with ETC-PZL Aerospace Industries Ltd. (ETC-PZL), the Polish subsidiary of Environmental Tectonics Corporation. The MOU will examine how ETC-PZL could provide aircrew and maintenance training should Poland’s Ministry of Defence acquire Polish-built S-70i&™ BLACK HAWK helicopters for its armed forces. The MOU is one of three such documents signed this week with Polish companies. SAS is the aftermarket business of Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of United Technologies Corporation. (NYSE:UTX).

Under the terms of the MOU, Sikorsky will discuss with ETC-PZL how its training and related logistics and maintenance support of simulators and training devices could be applied to any future acquisition of S-70i&™ helicopters by the Polish Ministry of Defence. ETC-PZL produces digital cockpit flight simulators and training devices as well as high level truck, bus and locomotive driver’s simulators.

“Known for implementing new and innovative technologies, ETC-PZL is a key provider of aircraft simulators and training programs. This MOU is an important step in strengthening our future support capabilities in Poland,” said Frank DiPasquale, SAS Vice President of Sales and Strategic Relationships. “Poland is a key component of our long-term international strategy to meet worldwide demand for Sikorsky products and services.”

This year, the Polish Ministry of Defence is expected to release a tender for multi-role helicopters followed by a contract award in late 2013. Sikorsky will offer the Polish-built S-70i&™ aircraft, a customizable variant of the BLACK HAWK helicopter flown by militaries in 25 countries.

“ETC-PZL is very proud to have the possibility to partner with Sikorsky and PZL Mielec to create the new quality in helicopter simulation training systems in Poland. ETC-PZL hopes that this program will start a long-term successful cooperation in that area,” said Anna Brzozowska Chief Executive Officer, ETC-PZL.

Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze Sp. z o.o. (PZL Mielec) is the largest aircraft manufacturer in Poland. Since acquiring the company in 2007, Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has invested US$125 million to modernize the facility and grow the Polish workforce by 40 percent to almost 2,100 employees. Today, PZL Mielec manufactures the S-70i&™ BLACK HAWK helicopter for export to militaries and governments worldwide.

“We have initiated a plan to bring together Polish companies and institutions that could be engaged in the development of the S-70i&™ helicopter program in Poland. This is our strategic goal for the coming months,” said Janusz Zakręcki, President, PZL Mielec.

Sikorsky Aerospace Services provides comprehensive support to rotary and fixed wing aircraft throughout the world. It offers its military and commercial operators a full portfolio of support services, including material distribution, maintenance, overhaul & repair, aircraft modifications and life-cycle support. Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., based in Stratford, Conn., is a world leader in helicopter design, manufacture and service. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Conn., provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the aerospace and building systems